Rotator Cuff Repair Sarasota, FL
Christopher L. Dillingham, M.D.
(941) 378-5100
5831 Bee Ridge Rd
Suite 300
Sarasota, FL 34233
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Specialties Include
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Laser Therapy
- Cutting Edge Physical Therapy
Fellowship-Trained Rotator Cuff Surgeon
Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries Dr. Christopher Dillingham treats. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and upper extremity care, he uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to repair partial and complete rotator cuff tears, restoring strength and function while minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Dillingham’s advanced training in Hand, Shoulder, and Arm Surgery at the University of Florida provided him with specialized expertise in treating the full spectrum of rotator cuff conditions, from small partial tears to large, complex injuries.
What Is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, holding the ball of the upper arm bone securely in the shoulder socket. These muscles work together to stabilize the joint and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. When one or more of these tendons are torn, it can cause significant pain, weakness, and loss of motion.
Rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes, people who perform repetitive overhead movements, and older adults as tendons naturally weaken with age.
Signs You May Have a Rotator Cuff Tear
Common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain at rest, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- A crackling or popping sensation during shoulder movement
- Difficulty reaching behind the back or overhead
- Pain that worsens at night or disrupts sleep
Some rotator cuff tears develop gradually from wear and tear, while others occur suddenly from a fall, lifting injury, or sports-related impact. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, an evaluation with Dr. Dillingham can determine the extent of the injury and the best course of treatment.
Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears
Non-Surgical Treatment
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. For patients with partial tears or rotator cuff disorders that are manageable without an operation, Dr. Dillingham offers conservative care options including physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and regenerative treatments. He takes the time to evaluate each patient individually before recommending a treatment plan.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
When surgery is necessary, Dr. Dillingham performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. This minimally invasive approach allows him to reattach the torn tendon to the bone while causing less disruption to surrounding tissue. Benefits of the arthroscopic approach include smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, and a shorter overall recovery compared to open surgery.
Open and Mini-Open Repair
In cases involving large or complex tears, an open or mini-open surgical approach may provide the best result. Dr. Dillingham evaluates the size, location, and severity of each tear to determine which technique will give the patient the strongest, most durable repair.
What to Expect After Rotator Cuff Repair
Recovery from rotator cuff repair is a gradual process that requires commitment to rehabilitation. After surgery, the arm is typically immobilized in a sling for several weeks to protect the repair while the tendon heals. Dr. Dillingham works closely with each patient and their physical therapist to create a rehabilitation plan tailored to the specific repair.
Most patients can expect to return to light daily activities within a few weeks, with continued strengthening over several months. Full recovery timelines vary depending on the size of the tear and the type of repair performed.
Dr. Dillingham performs rotator cuff repairs at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and the Advanced Surgery Center of Sarasota.
Don't Let a Rotator Cuff Tear Hold You Back
Whether your shoulder pain started gradually or after an injury, Dr. Dillingham can help you understand your options and find the right path to recovery. Schedule a consultation today.